HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 10-22 CCM Regular Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF
HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 22, 1979
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to
order by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka,
and Celia Scott. Also present was City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director
of Public Works Sy Knapp, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, Director of
Planning and Inspection Ron Warren, City Attorney Richard Schieffer, and
Administrative Assistants Brad Hoffman and Tom Bublitz.
INVOCATION
The invocation was offered by Pastor Nelson of the Berean Evangelical Free
Church.
WEBLO PACK
Mayor Nyquist noted the presence of Weblo Pack 401, along with their Pack
Leader, Olander Nelson. Mr. Nelson informed Council members that the members
of Pack 401 were working for their merit badges in citizenship.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 15, 1979
There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember
Scott to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting of October 15, 1979
as submitted. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler,
Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Nyquist noted that the Council had not received any requests to use
the open Forum session. He inquired of the audience if anyone was present
who wished to address the Council. There being none, the Mayor proceeded
with the regular agenda items.
PERFORMANCE BOND RELEASE
The City Manager introduced the performance bond release for the Brooklyn
Center Baptist Church at 5840 Humboldt Avenue North as the next agenda item.
He referred to a memorandum from the Planning and Inspection Office detailing
the bond release. He indicated that the memorandum stated that all concrete
curbing, asphalt paving and patching and sodding of the boulevard on 59th
Avenue and Humboldt Avenue have been accomplished per approved site plans.
There was a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember
Kuefler to release the performance bond as recommended by City staff. Voting
in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott.
Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Nyquist noted that the resolution authorizing the execution of contract
for work at the Unity Avenue culvert had been removed from the agenda. He
then proceeded with the rest of the agenda items.
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The City Manager introduced a resolution accepting bids for the purchase
of'water meters. He noted that the bids were received and opened on
October 16, 1979 and that it is recommended that the quotation of the
Badger Meter Company in the amount of $61,100.19 be accepted. The Director
of Public Works noted that the bid is good for only one year. Councilmember
Kuefler inquired about the durability of plastic meters. The Director of
Public Works stated that the life expectancy of the meters with plastic
casings are as good as those with the metal casings. Councilmember Fignar
asked what the trade -ins would be. The Director of Public Works indicated
that the trade-ins would be old equipment which is no longer accurate.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -246
Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND APPROVING CONTRACT FORM (FURNISHING AND
DELIVERY OF COLD WATER METERS)
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Gene Lhotka, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene
Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
The City Manager introduced two resolutions authorizing equipment rental for
the Central Park grading project. The Director of Public Works indicated
that the tandem trucks would be used for long haul earth moving to the site
and that the scrapers requested would be used for short haul earth moving at
the site. He noted that it is more economical to use scrapers in certain
areas than it would be to use trucks. Councilmember Kuefler commented that
the Council had passed a similar resolution at a past Council meeting. The
City Manager indicated that the bid must be renewed after each $10,000. He
also noted that the crews are working on weekends at the present time.
Councilmember Lhotka questioned how much has been spent on the rental of
equipment to this point. The City Manager explained that $30,000 has been
expended on rental equipment to date. Councilmember Lhotka questioned how
much more was projected to be spent. The Director of Public Works indicated
that possibly one more bid on the trucks would be let and that this is a
one time only bid for the rental of the scrapers. Councilmember Lhotka
questioned whether or not the money for the rental of equipment was coming
from the grants received for Central Park construction. The City Manager
explained that the funds for the rental of equipment was coming from the
grant money. Councilmember Fignar inquired since two of the bids are
identical, would the City be using the services of the local bidder in such
a case. The Director of Public Works indicated that the work would likely
be split between the two since the availability of trucks and equipment
may be a problem.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -247
Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENTAL OF TANDEM TRUCKS FOR HAULING OF MATERIAL
IN CONJUNCTION WITH CENTRAL PARK SITE GRADING PROJECT NO. 1978 -41
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Gene Lhotka, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene
Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none,
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whereupon said resolution was declared ,�Uy passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -248
Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENTAL OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH
CENTRAL PARK SITE GRADING'PROJECT NO. 1978 -41
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Celia Scott, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene
Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
The City Manager introduced a resolution requesting the Minnesota Department
of Transportation to conduct a speed survey and establish a speed limit on
Freeway Boulevard. Councilmember Fignar questioned whether or not the City
can request a specific speed limit on Freeway Boulevard. The Director of
Public Works indicated that the Commissioner of the Department of Transporta-
tion sets the speed limit and that the Council may request and advise, but
that the Commissioner has the final authority to set speeds. Councilmember
Fignar then questioned whether or not the speed limit could be changed once
it had been established. The Director of Public Works explained that the
speed limit could be changed if the environment of the roadway is changed.
He explained that the City can request the Department of Transportation to
alter the speed limit if the conditions on the roadway should change. Council -
member Lhotka commented that the information which he had, indicated that it
is difficult to change a speed limit once it has been established. The
Director of Public Works.explained if conditions on the roadway change, it
is relatively easy to request a speed limit change but that if the environ-
ment of the roadway does not change, it is quite difficult to change the
speed limit. Councilmember Kuefler noted that it has been the general
consensus in the past that the Council has taken exception to the State
setting speed limits on City streets. He inquired if there were any lobbying
efforts currently underway to change this procedure. The City Manager
explained that the League of Minnesota Cities have been developing such
legislation and noted that he would check with Mr. Duke Addicks of the
League as to the status of the bill. He also explained that special legisla-
tion can be proposed for individual cities requesting such a change in the law.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -249
Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION REQUESTING ESTABLISHMENT OF SPEED LIMIT ON FREEWAY BOULEVARD
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Celia Scott, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka,
and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
The City Manager introduced a resolution accepting a proposal from Hickok
Associates for on -site drainage controls at Howe, Inc. The Director of
Public Works explained that the proposal states what can and should be
done before and during an emergency situation at the Howe site. He explained
that, during the January fire at the Howe site, the drainage was blocked at
both ends of the site. He noted that if heavy rains had occurred, the Howe
site would have become flooded and the only alternative would have been to
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remove the blockages preventing drainage from the site. He noted that
the study would set up plans to deal with emergency situations at the
site and provide a summary of steps to be taken to contain contaminated
runoff while still allowing the safe runoff at the site to flow. Mayor
Nyquist asked whether or not the study would be used by Howe, Inc. only.
The City Manager explained that the study could be applied to other sites
within the City. Councilmember Fignar stated he felt the study is a good
idea and asked how it would be tied to the phase out of Howe. The City
Manager explained the study is not related to the phase out and that the
Hickok study would help potential problems at other sites within the City.
Councilmember Kuefler referred to the October 18, 1979 memo from the Director
of Public Works and indicated he felt that the concentration of the study
should be on the development of general guidelines applicable on a City-
wide basis rather than only a specific site such as Howe, Inc. The Director
of Public Works explained that in order for such plans to be workable, a
detailed study of individual sites with drainage problems would be necessary.
Councilmember Kuefler stated that he felt the study should be more general
and applicable to all businesses within the City. He added that he felt .
we are concentrating on Howe too closely and that he feels this a City -wide
issue. The Director of Public works explained that the Howe site is one
area where we know there is a problem. Councilmember Kuefler questioned
whether it was the City's duty to develop drainage plans or whether it was
the businesses themselves which should develop such plans. He added that
he feels the City may be doing businesses work in this situation, and that
he feels the City should set general guidelines which businesses should
follow in such situations. The City Manager explained that the staff felt
a certain urgency concerning the Howe site because of the Atrazene flowing
down Ryan Creek. The City Attorney stated he agreed that an ordinance
provides the best control over the spread of chemicals from the site. He
added that he feels the Howe site is an urgent and unique problem, and feels
that Howe gives the City the opportunity to develop an overall plan and
ordinance dealing with the potential problems of drainage of chemicals from
various sites within the City. He added that the phase out ordinance does
not deal with all operations of Howe, Inc. He added that the phase out will
cease the manufacturing of products which create ammonia fumes but that the
bagging and storing of fertilizer will continue at the Howe site. The City
Manager explained that the City staff could assemble a different set of.
specifications which would address a more general approach to the drainage
problem which would be applicable to all businesses within the City.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -250
Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING PROPOSAL FOR STUDY AND REPORT FOR ON -SITE DRAINAGE
CONTROLS AT HOWE, INC.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Bill Fignar, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka,
and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
The City Manager introduced a resolution accepting quotations for the purchase
of a snowplow. He noted that it is recommended that the quotation of Itasca
Equipment Company in the amount of $3,819 be accepted.
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RESOLUTION NO. 79 -251
Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) HYDRAULIC REVERSIBLE
TRIP SNOWPLOW
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene
Lhotka, and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -252
Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION FOR THE OUTSTANDING WORK OF JAN DANIELS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka,
and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -253
Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING RECOGNITION FOR THE OUTSTANDING WORK OF GREG BROOKS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded
by member Gene Lhotka, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka,
and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Mayor Nyquist noted that the resolution authorizing an additional $20,000
in funding for CEAP had been removed from the agenda.
The City Manager introduced a resolution giving final approval of an industrial
revenue bond proposal from LOGIS. The Director of Finance noted that the
complete conversion to the LOGIS system will likely occur in the spring of 1980.
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -254
Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION RELATING TO A PROJECT UNDER THE MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT ACT; AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND ISSUANCE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
REVENUE BONDS UNDER THE MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ACT TO
FINANCE A PROJECT THEREUNDER, SECURED BY PAYMENTS TO BE RECEIVED PURSUANT
TO A LOAN AGREEMENT AND A PLEDGE AND ASSIGNMENT OF THE CITY'S INTEREST IN
THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND PAYMENTS THEREUNDER TO A TRUSTEE.., AND AUTHORIZING
THE EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Bill Fignar, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka,
and Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
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ORDINANCES
The City Manager introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 35 regarding
setbacks from major thoroughfares. The Director of Planning and Inspection
noted the Planning Commission had approved the ordinance language at the
October 11, 1979 Planning Commission meeting. The ordinance is recommended
for a first reading.
The Director of Planning and Inspection indicated that the Planning Commission
felt a 50 foot setback should be employed on major thoroughfares. He explained
the ordinance would amend Section 35 -400 and that the amendment provided for a
50 foot setback from major thoroughfares except in cases where a substitute
to the setback could be provided. Councilmember Kuefler inquired what would
constitute a substitute. The Director of Planning and Inspection stated that,
where frontage roads exist, an excessive setback is not necessary. He added
that the rationale for the 50 foot setback was primarily based on noise, fumes,
and odors from traffic. He stated that, where noise walls and berms exist,
it seems excessive to require the 50 foot setback, therefore, these items
can be deemed to be substitutes for the 50 foot setback. Councilmember Kuefler
expressed a concern over the consistent application of the ordinance and was
specifically concerned over which substitutes would be considered acceptable.
The Director of Planning and Inspection noted that any disagreement over the
interpretation of the ordinance would be subject to the appeal process. The
City Attorney stated that judgmental decisions on such an ordinance should be
made by the City Council, but in this case he noted, the authority to recognize
substitutes is delegated to City staff. He added a resolution can be prepared
for Council approval which would set up guidelines for staff interpretation of
the ordinance. Councilmember Kuefler requested an expansion and clarification
of the administrative policy which would direct the administration of the
ordinance.
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Fignar
to offer for first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 35 regarding setbacks
from major thoroughfares. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers
Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
The City Manager introduced Application No. 79062 submitted by David Maasch,
on behalf of Cinema I, II, III for a variance from the sign ordinance to allow
an existing directional sign to continue on the property owned by the American
Family Insurance Association at 5901 John Martin Drive. The Director of Planning
and Inspection noted that the applicant was not present and that his presence
is required at the public hearing.
RECESS
The City Council recessed at 8:10 p.m. and reconvened at 8:29 p.m.
Mayor Nyquist reconvened the meeting for the purpose of reviewing Application
No. 79062. The Director of Planning and Inspection showed a transparency of
the area and reviewed the application. He explained that the sign is located
north of a common entrance drive shared by Cinema.I, II, III, the A.F.I.A.
building and Perkins Restaurant. He explained that when the A.F.I.A. property
was platted, the land on which the sign is located was transferred by B.C.I.P.
to the A.F.I.A. site. He noted that as a result, the sign is now off site and
therefore, a billboard which is prohibited by the City Sign Ordinance.
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The Director of Planning and Inspection referred the Council to a letter
of application from the applicant in which the following points were argued:
1. That approval of the sign would create a hardship because theater patrons
might miss the entrance and have to drive along a very circuitous route to
get back to the theater. 2. Since the entrance in question is the only point
and
to the American Family of access to the Cinema Y Insurance offices, it is
vital that directional signery adequately indicate the entrance as serving
both developments. 3. The events leading up to the present nonconforming
situation were beyond the control of the Cinema. 4. Granting of the variance
will have no adverse impact on surrounding properties, but will benefit the
general public by preventing U -turns on John Martin Drive and other confused
traffic patterns.
The Director of Planning and Inspection noted that Cinema I, II, III does not
now have all the signery it is entitled to under the Sign Ordinance. He noted
that, the Planning Commission, after a public hearing on the application where
no one spoke, moved approval of Application No. 79062 with certain conditions.
The Director of Planning and Inspection noted the presence of the applicant in
the audience.
Councilmember Lhotka asked whether there was any consideration given to having the
A.F.I.A. and the Cinema I, II, III signs combined. The Director o f Planning
and Inspection indicated that this would be a problem since A.F.I.A. wants to
make use of the full square footage allowable under the Sign Ordinance for its
sign. He added that the existing Cinema I, II, III directional sign is well
below the allowable size for directional signery as stated in the Sign Ordinance.
Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on Appli-
cation No. 79062. There was no one to speak on the application. There was
a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka to close
the public hearing: Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler,
Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott. Voting against: none. The motion passed unani-
mously.
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Fignar
to approve Planning Commission Application No. 79062 submitted by David Maasch
on behalf of Cinema I, II, III subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant agrees not to alter, relocate or enlarge the
existing directional sign.
2. The applicant agrees not to erect any other freestanding
identification or directional sign along John Martin Drive.
3. If Earle Brown Drive is extended and becomes a public street
from John Martin Drive to Shingle Creek Parkway, Cinema signery
must come into compliance with the City's Sign Ordinance.
Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and
Scott. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF INCREASES FOR COMMUNITY CENTER MEMBERSHIPS AND ADMISSIONS
The City Manager introduced the recommended increases for Community Center
memberships and admissions. Councilmember Fignar stated that he had received
comments on the lack of cleanliness in the sauna and also in the men's dressing
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room. He added that he has also received comments regarding the disrepair
of the hair dryers in the men's dressing room. The City Manager explained
that the insulation project taken on by in-house staff has taken up staff
time from their normal cleaning duties. He also explained that there have
been incidents of vandalism to the hair blowers in the men's dressing room.
Councilmember Fignar noted that he could agree with the need for raising the
fees but that he also felt the City was open to more criticism for the condi-
tions of the facility as the rates are raised. Councilmember Lhotka asked
how the increases were arrived at. The City Manager noted that the Park and
Recreation Department looked at the usages of its various programs and noted
that most of the fees come from general admissions. The Director of Finance
noted that a comparison was made to other city pools and similar facilities
and it was discovered that Brooklyn Center's fees were under what other cities
were charging. He also noted that, last year, single admissions were not
increased.
Councilmember Kuefler noted that the crafts room has not been usable for
some time because of the insulating project going on and he suggested
contracting the work out to speed up the process. He also noted that he
feels the quality control of the facilities should be maintained and suggested
the possibility of closing up the facility for a period of time until the
work could be completed. He also added if the City were to close the facility
for any length of time that the memberships should be extended for a corre-
sponding amount of time.
There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember Scott
to approve the Community Center memberships and general admission increases.
Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and
Scott. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF ELECTION JUDGES
There was a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember Scott
to approve the list of election judges that will be working the general election,
on November 6, 1979. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler,
Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott. 'Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
INTER- AGENCY SPECIAL INVESTIGATION SQUAD
The City Manager referred the Council to a memo from the Chief of Police regarding
the Inter - agency Special Investigation Squad. He indicated that Council input
is requested on this subject. Councilmember Fignar asked whether the 14 police
departments referred to in the memo were neighboring to Brooklyn Center. The
City Manager indicated that the majority of the 14 departments were in the
northwest quadrant of the metropolitan suburban area. The City Manager stated
that there is a distinct advantage in having a large number of personnel avail-
able at a major crime scene. Councilmember Fignar questioned whether there
would be any special budgetary requirements related to the squad. The City
Manager explained that there will be no additional budgetary request since
the project is based on mutual aid of the members. Councilmember Kuefler
stated that he thinks it is an excellent idea to take advantage of knowledge
from other departments in such a project. He noted that he is concerned
over a potential problem where one of the member departments may dominate
the squad and end up putting in an excessive amount of time on the squad
compared to other member departments. The City Manager stated that he would
look into this potential problem and report back to the Council-
member Fignar indicated that he would like the opportunity to review a summary
of how such a squad works in other areas of the country. The City Manager
explained that Kansas City has implemented a similar project and that he
would provide the information on the Kansas City investigation squad.
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T.H. 252 AND'T.H. 610 PROGRAMMING AND TRAFFIC FORECASTS
The City Manager noted that a discussion of the T.H. 252 and T.H. 610 project
was discussed at a previous Council meeting when the Minnesota Department of
Transportation set back the T.H. 252 project. The Director of Public Works
showed a transparency and discussed the various traffic studies prepared by
the BRW consulting firm. He explained that the BRW study examines the traffic
forecasts for year.2000 under two alternatives. He explained under the
build alternative, the north crosstown would be constructed and T.H. 252 would
be improved. He noted that under the no build alternative, the north crosstown
would not be constructed and there would be no improvement of T.H. 252.
The Director of Public Works referred the Council to Table 1 of the BRW report
which showed traffic volume estimates for three roadway network conditions.
He noted that the partial construction condition would have implications for
Brooklyn Center which would mean increased traffic passing through the City.
He explained the interim project for T.H. 252 was included in the Minnesota
Department of Transportation cutback. He explained that the interim project
consisted of the construction of the T.H. 610 bridge and the upgrading of
T.H. 252. He noted that the major project, which is the construction of all
of T.H. 610 and the upgrading of T.H. 252, had never been programmed. He
noted that the construction of T.H. 610 from Highway 10 to Highway 252, and
the construction of Highway 252 from 610 to 694 is considered as one project
by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He explained that the westerly
leg of the T.H. 610 project has not yet obtained a funding source.
Councilmember Fignar left the table at 9:30 p.m.
Councilmember Lhotka commented on the severe traffic problems at the 694
bridge at rush hour.
Councilmember Fignar returned to the table at 9:32 p.m.
The City Manager explained that the State cannot widen the bridge without
widening the rest of the 694 roadway. Councilmember Lhotka questioned where
the 36,000 automobiles were originating from, as indicated on Table 1 of the
BRW study under the no build alternative for T.H. 252. The Director of Public
Works noted that the traffic count numbers on minor roads do not add up to
36,000 and will likely be deleted on the final report. He explained that some
of the traffic count numbers represent only interzonal trips and do not include
intrazonal trips, which would account for the 36,000 total. The City Manager
explained that, if the westerly leg of T.H. 610 is not completed, the City
of Brooklyn Center will likely have serious traffic problems. He inquired
whether the Council would like the staff to set up a meeting with representa-
tives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to discuss the problem.
Councilmember Kuefler stated that he felt a strong lobbying effort should be
initiated for the T.H. 610 completion and suggested that a joint meeting be
set up with local legislators, the Metropolitan Council, and other cities in
the northwest suburbs which would be affected by the project. The Director
of Public Works added that as a member of the Management Committee to study
the T.H. 252 and T.H. 610 projects, he has requested air quality forecasts
for the various construction alternatives and feels that these forecasts may
add some weight to the request for the complete construction of T.H. 610. The
City Manager stated that the staff will arrange a meeting with legislators,
the Metropolitan Council, and other cities in the northwest suburban area
affected by the project.
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REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM AT BROOKLYN BOULEVARD (T.H. 152) AT
65TH AVENUE
The City Manager referred the Council to a memorandum from the Director of
Public Works regarding the request for a traffic signal system at Brooklyn
Boulevard at 65th Avenue. Mayor Nyquist indicated that he was under the
impression that the plan for the traffic signal system was already set and
established. Councilmember Kuefler noted that he also thought the State
was set to begin the project on the traffic signal system and that it was
already scheduled to be built. The City Manager explained the information
that the staff had did not indicate this but that he would verify this
information and return with an answer to the Council. The Director of
Public Works stated that the former Director of Public Works had confirmed
to him that the State had made no previous commitment on the project.
Councilmember Kuefler stated that he felt a semaphore system is definitely
needed in this area.
There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember
Fignar to designate the traffic signal system at Brooklyn Boulevard (T.H. 152)
at 65th Avenue as a priority project, agreeing that the City will pay 50% of
the installation costs, and requesting the Minnesota Department of Transporta-
tion to install a signal system as soon as possible. Voting in favor: Mayor
Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott. Voting against:
none. The motion passed unanimously.
REPORT ON REQUEST FOR SIDEWALK ON JOHN MARTIN DRIVE
The City Manager referred the Council to a memorandum from the Director of
Public Works regarding a petition for a sidewalk on John Martin Drive. There
was a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember Scott to
tentatively commit the City to the installation of a sidewalk on one side of
John Martin Drive between Shingle Creek Parkway and Earle Brown .Drive in 1980
and to instruct the City administration to update the City sidewalk installa-
tion program and policies so as to develop a more definite answer to the
remaining questions regarding the installation of sidewalks within the City.
HENNEPIN COUNTY FINAL 911 PLAN
The City Manager stated that the staff recommends the passage of a resolution
supporting the Hennepin County Final 911 Plana
RESOLUTION NO. 79 -255
Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING HENNEPIN COUNTY FINAL 911 PLAN
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES
The City Manager stated that he had surveyed the City staff on their professional
and association activities and had found no duplications of activities among th
City staff. Councilmember Fignar stated that he appreciates the staff partici -.
pation in the professional association activities and that the Council has
supported these activities in the past.
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LICENSES
Motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Kuefler to
approve the following list of licenses:
I
ITINERANT FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
Fabian Seafood Company Galveston, TX
(6245 Brooklyn Boulevard)
MECHANICAL SYSTEM'S LICENSE
_SBS Mechanical, Inc. 7160 Madison Ave. W.
Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka,
and Scott. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember
Lhotka to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Council-
members Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott. Voting against: none. The
motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at
10:05 P.M.
V
Clerk Ma. r
f
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